50 microlight aircraft set to fly down the River Tyne in aviation spectacle

Skywatchers will be treated to the spectacular sight of dozens of microlight aircraft flying down the River Tyne this summer.


The one-off, “never before attempted” aviation event will take place at the end of May to mark the 25th anniversary year of Newcastle’s Streetwise Young People’s Project.

On May 28, May 29 or May 30 – depending on the weather – 50 microlight aircraft will fly out from Eshott Airfield, near Morpeth, to the North/South River Tyne intersection before turning east and flying over Hexham, Corbridge and Prudhoe.

The fleet will then follow the River Tyne through Newcastle-controlled airspace to Tynemouth, before heading back north along the coast and returning to Eshott.

Fly the Tyne's logo

Weather permitting, the planes will leave Eshott at 11am in groups of three, flying in V-formations at between 500 and 1,500 feet.

Mandy Taylor, CEO of Streetwise Young People’s Project, will be piloting one of the 50 aircraft which will fly the length of the Tyne to help celebrate the charity’s 25th anniversary.

She said: “I am so excited about taking part in this event, but at the same time it will be a challenging flight, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed for good weather and light winds.

“Please help us to celebrate by joining us down at the Quayside, along the river, on the beaches, to cheer the pilots as they fly by and hopefully show your support for projects like Streetwise, who provide specialist services to young people from across the North East.”

In just one month the event, dubbed Fly the Tyne, has registered 53 pilots, with some as far afield as Aberdeenshire and London.

Trainee pilot and Year 11 student Ged Fisher said: “I am really looking forward to the event as it puts flying in the spotlight.

“Flying is an amazing experience in any circumstances but to fly over spectacular scenery makes it even more special. Hopefully it will encourage more young people to take up the sport.”

Newcastle Air Traffic Control and the Civil Aviation Authority have agreed to support the event and to see all aircraft navigate safely through the zone.

(culled from www.chroniclelive.co.uk)